Good morning, Brighton. Somehow we’re into the final week of August already and we have yet another stunning day here by the coast. So for now I’m going to forget the threats of a stormy autumn El Nino’s may bring, and bask in the sun, with my coffee, and soak up some more vitamin D.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

🛝 Brighton & Hove Council is on the hunt for an investor to jazz up the Kings Road seafront paddling pool and playground! The developer must keep the paddling pool and play area free for the public—no squeezing pennies from splashing toddlers. In exchange, they get a 1,000 square metre adjacent site to operate a commercial leisure or hospitality venture, ensuring the public facility stays financially healthy year-round.

The lucky partner funds design, construction, and ongoing maintenance. Think of it as a seaside symbiosis: families get a modernised splash zone with upgraded facilities, investors get a lucrative beachfront opportunity, and the council gets a sustainable public asset. Proposals close 27 September 2026. View full prospectus - a great opportunity!

🎓 Brighton & Hove students are celebrating a stellar GCSE triumph! A impressive 69% achieved combined English and Maths at grade 4 and above—up from last year's 67%—bucking the national trend of static results. Councillor Emma Daniel praised the pupils' hard work and thanked teachers, staff, and families for their unwavering support both in classrooms and at home. John McKee, chair of secondary headteachers, emphasised that results represent more than grades alone, highlighting the resilience and determination of every young person. Read full BHCC article

The city's schools remain committed to celebrating success across all communities and ensuring every child thrives. For students needing guidance, the Youth Employability Service offers support via phone, social media, or their Youth Employment Hub.

🏖️ The Telegraph has declared Brighton the seaside darling of summer! Travel writer Teresa Machan compares the revamped West Hove seafront to Venice Beach, Los Angeles, praising the city's transformation from shabby to splendid. Major regeneration projects shine, particularly Hove Beach Park (£13.7m), which now hosts tennis, padel courts, skateparks, and a roller rink. Eastward, Madeira Terrace—once abandoned for over a decade—has been resurrected with Sea Lanes, Reading Room, Yellowave and all the sauna venues under the sun. The Telegraph urges visitors to venture beyond Palace Pier crowds, promising "the smug feeling you've found the Brighton overlooked by most tourists."

With Historic England funding and restored heritage arches appearing this year, Brighton's makeover is nearly complete. Ms Machan concludes: "Brighton is finally regaining its glory." I think we can all agree that Brighton is a fab place to live. 🥳

⚽️ A great start for The Albion yesterday in the Premier League with a strong performance against Aston Villa (view highlights) to kick the season off at The Amex. Whether you like footie or not, the better they do, the more it boosts the local economy which in turn is good for the city. So COME ON THE SEAGULLS 🍦

☀️ | 📈 23° | 📉 16° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ E 16mph | 🌊 1-2ft

🌤️ | 📈 25° | 📉 18° | ☔️ 10% | 🌬️ E 9mph | 🌊 <1ft

Be sure to tag us @brightonscoop to get your photos featured

Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

Tony | Summer Book | Spider-Man: Brand New Day | The Odyssey (35mm)

Dukes at Komedia - Book

The Invite | Stop! That! Train! | Spider-Man: Brand-New Day | The Odyssey | Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma | Effi O Blaenau | Tony | Lady | I Want Your Sex

🍕 Connie’s | Pizza | Gardner Street | Date TBC | Info

🥘 Mowgli | Indian Street Food | Dukes Lane | 28th August | First 100 EAT FREE | Info

🎈 Family friendly events

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, tell your friends in a book club.